Common Myths about Rahu in Vedic Astrology

In Vedic astrology, the planets are regarded as the arbiters of human destiny. If they are in favorable positions in your horoscope, you can have a smooth life. But if they are not, expect some potholes on the path of life and sudden twists and turns in your life journey. But the planets themselves are not to blame, for their effects on your life reflect your past life karma.

The 9 planets or Navagrahas which shape our destiny in Vedic astrology are Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Mercury, Rahu, and Ketu. Rahu and Ketu are actually shadow planets. They do not exist; they are the north and south lunar nodes. However, their impact on our lives can be significant. They are regarded as malefic planets, so people fear them.

Rahu in Vedic astrology is depicted with a demon’s head and snake’s tail. He is one-half of the demon, Svarbhanu, who consumed a drop or two of Amrit when Vishnu, as Mohini, was serving it to the Devas. The other half is Ketu, who has a snake’s head and a demon’s torso. The demon had disguised himself as a god, but the Sun and Moon saw through his disguise. Vishnu beheaded him with the Sudarshana chakra. But he had become immortal thanks to the nectar.

Though Rahu has no physical existence, he has a strong influence on the other planets. It is a beneficial planet for those in politics. He helps people in politics to amass power through fair and unfair means. He can bestow sudden wealth. He rules prisons, thieves, poisons, snakes, magicians, isolated places, etc.

Rahu is exalted in the sign of Taurus. When he is placed unfavorably in your horoscope, he can cause mental confusion, depression, emotional imbalance, and suicidal instincts. But he can also make one rich and popular.

During Rahu Mahadasha, the native may become a victim of black magic. Due to wrong decisions, the person may lose money, property, and self-esteem. They may be cheated by relatives or defamed. In the 3rd, 6th, and 11th houses, he is quite powerful. He can turn a beggar into a king and a king into a beggar.

However, his results depend on your karma, as Rahu is a karmic planet. Here are some myths about Rahu which aren’t true.

1. Rahu is evil

This is a common myth about Rahu. But it is not really true. Some of the things he is associated with can be harmful if they are taken to extremes. They include an obsession with power and control, materialism, etc. But his energy can be very positive, too, as it bestows optimism, creativity, and ambition. They can help us achieve success, too.

2. Copper-based rings protect one from the negative effects of Rahu

This is mostly a marketing gimmick. The copper in these rings is not beneficial, actually. It mimics metals that astrologers prescribe when Rahu’s influence activates our personal planets. So, wearing such rings won’t do much for you.  

3.  If you are successful, you can have a positive connection with Rahu

Planetary effects can be both positive and negative. But those who are successful experience good results because they focus on their goals, even if they encounter obstacles in life. It has nothing to do with their connections to any planet in Vedic Astrology.

Rahu’s aspects in Vedic Astrology

Rahu has 3 aspects. It aspects the 5th house, 7th house, and 9th house from its position. Usually, planets aspect only the 7th house from their place, so Rahu has 2 special aspects - the 5th and 9th house aspects. Rahu causes illusion in the house it occupies, but its 5th house and 9th house aspects indicate where the illusion will break and the native will acquire wisdom.

Rahu in conjunction with another planet

If Rahu conjuncts another planet, its energy combines with that of the conjunct planet. Rahu signifies the unfinished business in our past life. So, the planet that is conjunct with Rahu indicates where you have some pending karma from your past life. For instance, Rahu with Moon shows there is some pending karma with your mother.

Some Ways to Please Rahu

One can perform some remedial measures to overcome Rahu’s negative influence.

• Avoid excessive indulgence in the temptations offered by big cities.
• Avoid using gadgets often.
• Do not follow mass trends blindly, be it in living, dressing, eating, etc.
• Minimize your aspirations. Do not seek new experiences without sufficient thought. Focus on the present and do not worry about the future.
• Avoid intoxicants. They can cloud your thinking.
• Moderate your use of TV, cinema, or the internet.
• Do not be too dependent on modern forms of Yoga and visualization processes.
• Have a vegetarian diet often.
• Do not commit or over-commit on issues that you cannot control.